Walking Group

St Paul's Rambling Group

Heaton Moor

The Church Rambling Group meets on the second Saturday of each month (except Jan) at 9.30am on St. Paul's Rd outside the church. You do not have to be a church member to join our group and everyone will be very welcome to come along on the walk.

A lift to the starting point will be available for those without a car.

We have an interesting programme of rambles - I would describe as easy to moderate - which vary in length between 4 and 8 miles and usually finish up with a pub lunch.

Plumley Circular - Saturday 9th March 2019

We started this ramble at the Golden Pheasant in Plumley and after a short walk through the village we were soon crossing open fields on our way to the ancient woodland known as Holford Moss. At this time of year last summer's bracken was still in evidence and the spring flowers had yet to come into bloom but there is always something of interest and after the wet weather there was plenty of fungii around to make the visit worthwhile.

The next part of the walk takes you across the old salt workings and eventually on to Holford Hall the home of the Cholmondeley family. From here we crossed more open farmland and back to Plumley for an excellent lunch at the Golden Pheasant. Distance about 4 miles

Our last walk - Saturday 9th February 2019

Bamford & Crimble - Rochdale, Lancashire

Carr Wood

The walk started at the Grapes Inn, Bamford and the first leg took us across open fields at the rear of the pub and down to School Lane. From here we entered Carr Wood at the old tea rooms. Plenty of interest to see with the weir and abandoned mill by Naden Brook. The path continues through this river valley which even in winter has a unique beauty. We continued downstream crossing the waterfall and the landslide, now made easy by the metal walkway, and eventually arrived at Simpson Clough.

From here we followed Ashworth Road and then across Bury Road to join the foot path along the river Roch, After crossing Bamford Rd by the old Hooley Bridge Spinning Mill we again joined the path along the Roch until we reached the footbridge to take us into Queens Park in Heywood.

At this time of year the herons take up residence in their nesting site on the island in the centre of the boating lake and we stopped for a coffee break with the expectation of seeing the birds in flight. Unfortunately it was a very windy day and only three birds took to their wings. The remainder stayed in their nests and we could only observe them resting with the help of binoculars.

Refreshed by the break we continued past the cricket ground before crossing Millers Brook to again join the path along the Roch to Crimble Mill. Originally a woollen mill this now grade 2 listed building is sadly in dire need of repair. It was from here we began the climb out of the valley along Crimble Lane and then back to the pub along War Office Rd.

As usual we had lunch organised and hungry after our exertions we all tucked into an excellent meal which everyone enjoyed. Walking distance 5 miles. Time 3 hours.

In January we do not have an organised walk because of the unpredictable weather and the absence of members on holiday. However, this year we decided to meet for a pub lunch which was extended to coffee at the National Trust Visitor Centre, a walk in the park and a long lunch at the Axe & Cleaver in Dunham Massey.

Eleven members turned up in the coffee shop and after a refreshing cup of coffee we sorted ourselves out into two groups. Those who felt like a longer trek around the grounds set off on a brisk 5km walk. The remainder opted for a leisurely stroll around the gardens which even in winter time are full of interest. Photographs showing the garden can be found below.

Everyone enjoyed their selected walk and we all met up again at the pub for an excellent lunch. It was agreed that we should repeat this type of event next year.

Traditionally this usually a short walk followed by a long Christmas lunch. We started from the Torrs River car park in Hague Bar, New Mills and made the short decent to the river valley below. From here we continued along the path by the Goyt looking forward to making the crossing by the Millenium Bridge.Unfortunately on arrival we found the bridge closed and had to make a detour up the hill and into New Mills so we could only view the spectacular bridge from the road above. Eventually we found our way back down to the river where we stopped in the gorge for coffee.

The ramble then continued along the river until we met the bridge across and the pathway to the Peak Forest Canal. We then walked along the canal to Hague Bar and returned to the car park. A distance of 4.5 miles.

The important part of the day followed when we retired to the Pack Horse Inn, New Mills to enjoy an excellent three course Christmas lunch complete with Christmas Pudding and crackers.

A party of six set out from Norden, Rochdale for this 5 mile ramble through the local countryside.From the car park we turned into Black Pits Lane and very soon arrived at the footpath alongside Naden Brook. At the bridge next to remains of the old mill, we crossed the river, and then began the climb out of the valley to a farm track which leads up to the ancient church of St James Bamford and the former pub known as the Chapel House, which is now a private residence.

Here we stopped to admire the old church with its interesting grave stones and the views across Lancashire to Manchester and Derbyshire. We then crossed the fields to the old schoolhouse before joining Ashworth Rd to take us down to Simpson and Gelder Cloughs. Unfortunately we found the road closed because of a landslide and we had to retrace our steps and take an alternative path down to the valley. Not wishing to miss out the scenery at Simpson Clough we took a detour through the valley knowing that we would have to retrace our steps, but it was worth the effort and we found a grassy bank for a coffee break.

Returning the way we had come we then passed through Carr Wood and walked along the Naden Valley to Black Pits where we extended the walk by following the Millcroft Brook up to the tearooms (now closed) and then back to our start point.

Lunch followed at the Bridge Chippy where we enjoyed traditional Lancashire fish and chips!

On a sunny Saturday morning eight of us set off from the Henry St car park in the centre of Lymm for a walk around the surrounding countryside. For the first leg of the route we followed the tow path of the Bridgewater Canal heading towards Manchester. After about 1.5 miles we left the path to join the B5159 which took us under the canal. After continuing along the road for about half a mile we reached a stile on the left which took us into a field of sugar beet where we made a stop for a coffee break.

The path then continued along the sides of the field and eventually we entered Spud Wood. After a short walk through the trees the route followed along the byeways of Lymm until we finally arrived at St Mary's church.

From here we joined the pathway to walk around Lymm Dam and finally back to our start in Lymm.The walk was about 5 miles and there is plenty of interesting scenery and wildlife along the track.

Barley Circular

Village Hall Barley

We left St. Paul’s Church under a threatening sky towards the beautiful village of Barley in Lancashire only to find the rain had set in on our arrival about an hour later.

Six of us left the car park for the old water works building which now boasts a glorious conversion to apartments.Next over the footbridge to our first climb of the day over a rather boggy, clumpy set of fields. As expected, the path proved a little difficult to follow here but after a bit of team work, we were back on track passing a farmhouse and over the hill towards Newchurch, The village is famous for its ‘Witches Galore Shop’ and usually has three old stuffed crones sitting outside but their absence probably reflected the extreme weather conditions that proved too much, even for them! Originally the village was called Goldshaw Booth but the Newchurch name came into use in October 1544 when John Bird, Bishop of Chester, consecrated the new church of St. Mary. Prior to that, there had been a chapel recorded on the site of the current church since 1250.There is an oval set in the west face of the tower known as the ‘all seeing eye of God’, reputed to protect the villagers from evil.

This and other surrounding villages are, of course, famous for their ‘witches’ who suffered the trials in Lancaster Castle following various reported activities which were put down to their craft.
We escaped the rain by sheltering inside the church where we were greeted by a couple of ladies who had, following the cancellation of their village flower festival, decided to provide coffee and homemade cake for anybody crazy enough to venture out in such dire conditions.As we dried our gear and settled down to coffee and cake, they explained how the church had become part of the Blackburn Diocese only in 1926, so we said we would think of them in 2026 when they would be celebrating their centenary within the diocese.

Much as it would have been lovely to spend all day in the church, we set off in intrepid fashion along the road towards Sabden Fold, past the Shekinah Christian Centre.Then came our second climb over Driver Height which is not only terribly steep, but tantalised us with many false summits before reaching the top, made all the more ‘fun’ by the driving rain.Despite all these forces working against it being a nice walk, everybody came together in camaraderie fashion and decided this was a good place to take numerous photos of the group, while we tried to stumble our way down the steep drop toward the reservoir. Then along the easiest part of the walk back to Barley following the reservoir.

We passed Pendle Hill which is, of course, famous for George Fox who experienced his vision there which led to his forming The Quaker Movement.

Back at the car park, we dried off and headed for ‘The Barley Mow’ who welcomed us with some very good food.

A great day and turnout considering the weather, though maybe the next one should be planned for a nice hot summer’s day.

MARPLE BRIDGE

A slightly larger than normal group of 11 walkers started the 3.5 mile circular route from Brabyns Brow Park in Marple Bridge. The walk took us past the site of the demolished Brabyns Hall which had been used as a military hospital in the First World War. We followed the course of the River Goyt, taking time to look at a discarded foundation stone from Monsal, to stop and admire the listed Iron Bridge. This was built in 1813 by the Salford Iron Works. A team of Friends of The Park were hard at work on keeping it free from weeds.

We took a short diversion to look at the point of confluence of the rivers Goyt and the Etherow before crossing the river at Compstall and continuing into Redbrow Wood. After heading across farmland we reached the steps leading up to the Marple Aquaduct which is 100ft above ground level.

Following the Canal, we passed the start of of Marple’s 16 locks and descended a path back to Brabyns Park. After the interesting walk the group adjourned to The Railway pub in Marple for lunch.

The group started the walk from the Nelson Pit Visitor centre car park. The miners here used to work 400 feet underground for the princely sum of £1.95 for a 5 1/2 day week! We walked a short distance along the Macclesfield Canal which had been used to ferry the coal by barges pulled by 14 horses.

We followed a circular route utilising part of the Middlewood Way which was originally the Macclesfield to Marple railway which was open from 1869 to 1970. We walked through two woods (Elmerhurst and Crow) leading to the National Trust owned Lyme Park. A short refreshment break was taken in the grounds before completing the circuit to have lunch at the Boars Head pub where the pies are to be recommended.

Nelson Pit Start Point

Along Macclesfield Canal

Crossing canal to enter Lyme Park

No muddy paths here

Elmerhurst Woods

Lyme Park

We begin our way home

Boars Head - waiting for the pies to come!

The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail - Saturday 9th June 2018

On a warm sunny Saturday a party of 8 of us set out for Ingleton to explore this very scenic area of the Yorkshire Dales. The journey to the start of the walk took us about an hour and an half from Stockport and entrance to the Trail is £6 per head but includes the car park.

The footpaths are all well maintained and there are ample directions and points of interest along the route. Although the walk is listed as moderate there are steps to be climbed at each fall to the next level and plenty of time is required to view the magnificent waterfalls, local scenery and occasionally rest the weary legs.

Half way round we stopped to enjoy a picnic lunch in the sun before making our way back to the start point. Everyone enjoyed the walk immensely but we were all glad to reach the teashop at the end and appreciate a cup of tea and cake.

Lathkill Dale - Saturday 12th May 2018

Our route started at Over Haddon above Lathkill Dale near Bakewell and I remember thinking, as we descended the steep road to the bottom of the Dale, that at the end of the walk this hill would be the sting in the tale.

The walk along the dale was beautiful with the sparkling water to our left. The path starts as a very well constructed track but as we got deeper and deeper into the dale the track became more rugged and the feeling of walking in the bottom of a steep sided valley was more intense. There are caves on the way and one was explored by two of the younger group members!

To reach the head of the dale the route was really quite challenging for some of us and required care by all. Eventually we were at the top of the cliffs and began our walk back. The views were such a contrast to the earlier ones. These gave the wonderful feeling of expansiveness that is so precious to urban dwellers. It was a D of E weekend and it was great to see cheerful groups of young people out in the country side working together and enjoying themselves. Some of their map reading needed a bit more work though and one of our group gave a good piece of advice saying that if you thought you had to climb a wall with no stile you had gone wrong.

From here a well trodden path went through a farmyard where a Blue poster pointed the way to the various nearby places. The route then dropped back into the valley bottom and we walked somewhat slowly back to Over Haddon. Of course there was that slog up to the car park but there was the reward of the Garden tearooms with huge pieces of fantastic cake. A good walk with a few challenges and beautiful weather.

Setting off up the Dale

The path follows the river for much of the walk

Enjoying a break by the waterfall

Caving in Derbyshire!

The path to the head of the Dale

All Routes thataway!

First of the summer flowers

Marsh Marigolds

Cowslips, early purple orchids and meadow saxifrages
. The limestone grassland was full of them.

Our group repeated a short, 4 mile, circular walk from the Axe and Cleaver at Dunham Massey. The weather was a distinct improvement on last September although parts of the canal path were muddy. No heron was sighted this time unfortunately but a canoe was spotted on the canal. The walk took us through the village and the National Trust site where some retail therapy was undertaken in the NT shop! Everyone enjoyed the meal at the Axe and Cleaver at the end of the walk.

We had a pleasant walk at Alderley, mostly on the south side of the Macclesfield Road, through the old mine workings and Windmill Wood, ending up on the Edge at Stormy Point, with a view across to Lyme Park and the Peak District. We had to negotiate a couple of quagmires and one tunnel under a fallen tree. Fortunately the walk just fitted into the gap between two bands of heavy rain. Lunch at the Wizard was good, if very slow.

Christmas Ramble & Lunch - 9th December 2017

This year our Christmas ramble started from the Greyhound Inn at Ashley in Cheshire and a party of twelve set off to explore the paths and bye ways of this pretty Cheshire village. As always, this walk is more about lunch than ramble and the short four mile walk meant we were back at the Greyhound in plenty of time to enjoy an excellent Christmas Dinner in warm, comfortable surroundings.

A party of ten left the Lion Salt Works, Northwich on a fine November Saturday to explore the Saltscape Trail. The first part of the walk took us along the Trent & Mersey Canal for about a mile and at this point we crossed over the bridge and into Maybury Country Park. From here we followed the path along Budworth Mere to the Coffee Shop where we stopped and enjoyed a break in the warm sunshine.

At this junction the route crossed fields but with all the recent rain, which had made the paths extremely muddy, we elected to follow the road to the Anderton Lift. Only a short walk but there is a narrow bridge without footpath and caution should be exercised if following this route. However, we were able to join the canal again very quickly which took us directly to the Lift.

Unfortunately the lift is not working at week-ends in winter and we were disappointed not to see the boats going up and down. The Visitor Centre is open but time did not permit a visit on this occasion.

It was here we joined the Saltscape Trail which followed the River Weaver before joining the paths to take us around Neumanns Flash and back to the Salt Works. Estimated distance about 5 miles.

At the end of the walk we enjoyed an excellent lunch at the newly refurbished 'Cock at Budworth'.

Our small group started our four mile walk from the National Trust car park at Dunham Massey. The first part of the walk through the village was through heavy rain but spirits were raised when we came upon the local craft brewery! Unfortunately we were unable to sample any of the prize winning beers at the time as the brewer was busy. However, more on this later.

We then walked along the canal towpath alongside the River Bollin and over an aqueduct. The weather improved significantly and we were able to have a coffee break in full sun. We were lucky enough to get very close to a heron on the path who showed us great disdain as he assumed he owned that stretch of the canal.

Coming down from the raised canal, we walked over a cobbled path into Little Bollington, over a footbridge onto a grassy path and into Dunham Park. We saw a deer and various waterfowl on our way back to the car park.

We had a very pleasant lunch at the Axe and Cleaver pub where we were able to sample the beer of the Dunham Massey Brewing Company!

Again a walk where the weather did not look at all promising but was actually sunny and pleasant. We started in the small but 'beautifully formed' village of Hartington which is tucked away about 8 miles SE of Buxton. The walk was a mainly 'easy' ramble along the river Dove and took in two other lesser known Dales namely Wolfescote Dale and Biggin Dale. The second moderate uphill stretch rewarded us with sparkling views of the Peak District. There was plenty of chatting along the way which added to the enjoyment-as did the teashop back in Hartington. Yes of course we indulged! Thanks to Janet who lead us so confidently.

Now where do we go from here?

Short uphill stretch

Across the Dove

Should you be walking here!

Tea and cake indulgence!

Monsal Dale - Saturday 8th July 2017

A small group of four made the journey to Monsal Dale, close to Bakewell, in warm and sunny weather. The walk was based on the Monsal Dale and Brushfield circuit starting from the lovely vantage point of the Monsal Head Hotel. From there you could look down into the valley some 250 feet below. The view is spectacular over the River Wye.

Our walk took us over the Headstone Viaduct and along the Monsal Trail through both the Cressbrook and Litton Tunnels, doing our best to avoid the cyclists! John Ruskin, the writer was critical of the Viaduct when it was built in 1863 as it destroyed the beauty of the Dales. However, time moves on and a preservation order was placed on it in 1970. The curved tunnels were cut through limestone and have a combined length of nearly 1,000 yards (or 914 meters in new money).

We spotted an abundance of wild flowers along the Trail; including wild orchids, harebells and Scabious Devils Bit.

We then left the Trail and headed up a long, steep incline to the High Dale. Walking through some disused mine-workings led us to the village of Brushfield and dropping down to the High Dale dry valley. We came in sight of the Hotel and had to negotiate a steep, flinty path to bring us back to the Trail and the final ascent of the 250 feet of steps back to the Hotel.

We appreciated the later than anticipated lunch and a cool drink at the Hotel, followed by an ice cream sitting on a bench overlooking the valley in glorious sunshine.

Monsal dale from Monsal Head

Ramblers

Cressbrook from Monsal Trail

Inside the Litton Tunnel

Litton Mill

Climbing High Dale

Through the High Dale

Parkgate - Saturday 10th June 2017

It was pouring with rain as just four of us left St Paul's Road for the drive to Parkgate.

Parkgate is on the Wirral Peninsular in Cheshire and is a curious and quirky place. It used to be an important sea port on the River Dee in the 18th Century. Well known people such as the composer Handel sailed from here to Dublin. However the Dee estuary silted up and the sea retreated a long way out from the 'sea front' but the sea wall remains.

We walked north with the silted up reed beds on our left and the Welsh Hills rising above the distant remaining Chanel of the river Dee. We turned East for a short stretch and then South-ish, along tracks, minor roads and bits of the Wirral Way. Part of the route took us over the Neston Golf course and then along it's edge where we enjoyed stunning views of the river channel, and the estuary mouth. We worked our way round to 'The Old Port'. This has sandstone blocks from the original port and provided a good lunch stop. The final part of the walk was right on the edge of the reed beds and was rather damp and muddy underfoot.

When back in Parkgate, it was time for tea and cake!

This was a very pleasant and peaceful walk of about six miles. There were wild flowers everywhere; including roses and orchids.The reed beds are home to many birds. Binoculars would have been useful! We saw the expected gulls but also spotted herons and oyster catchers.

So, did we get wet? No, it was totally dry-if you discount a few spits and spots at our lunch spot!

You would not normally associate Worsley, Greater Manchester with the country side and a place for a ramble but within this suburb of Manchester lies a walk which you would only expect to find much further afield.

Starting from the car park adjacent to the motorway the route takes you along the Bridgewater Canal towards Manchester, Then at Monton Green your turn right, at the 'lighthouse' on the left, onto the Roe Green Loop Line. This line originally linked Worsley with Bolton before closure in 1969 It was reopened in 2016 as a cycling and pedestrian route and is now an attractive woodland walk teeming with wildlife.

Leaving the Loop Line at Beeson Green a short walk along the road brings you to the entrance to Worsley Woods. Another attractive woodland full of wildlife and native plants. Wood carvings of plants are to be seen along the path and if you look carefully in the locations the wild plants can be found in the undergrowth

The path eventually opens out into the Old Warke Dam where the old estate lodge, known locally as the 'Gingerbread House' is sited. Further along is a platform extended into the dam and from here there are views of the woodlands across the water and the 'Aviary' an old hunting and fishing lodge which belonged to Lord Egerton. As expected there is plenty of water fowl to be seen in this area.

Following the route at the side of the water you come to a path on the right leading to Worsley Delph. Again this is another natural woodland area full of interest and access has been made easier by the addition of a boardwalk in the wet areas.Returning from the Delph a short walk brings you back into Worsley and on the last stretch you have the opportunity to see the part of the old industrial heritage before returning to the car park.

There are plenty of tearooms, restaurants and pubs for lunch or a snack at the end of the walk.

On a warm sunny Saturday eight of our members set off to walk a 5 mile circular ramble around Disley. Leaving the White Horse Inn we took the path through the church yard to the first part of the walk which was to take to the top of the Bowstones. The path climbs steadily along the edge of the Peak District and although the track is difficult in sections the route is not too demanding. The final leg to the top is on tarmacked road and although the road rises steeply it is only for a short distance and once on the summit we were able to enjoy excellent views across Derbyshire, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Of course we could not walk up to the Bowstones without stopping to look at these 10th Century Anglican crosses with their interlaced carvings and lettering.

After a coffee break we then made the descent down from the ridge and into Lyme Park. The route takes you through woodlands and parkland until eventually you reach the Hall in the centre of the park. From here we set course for the East Gate which takes you up the hill past the Cage and the Deer Sacntuary and onto the appropriately named Mudlane which returned us back onto the pathway to Disley. The walk took us around 4 hours complete but it was a warm sunny day and the excellent scenery and wildlife to see on the route made it all the more enjoyable.

After a week of extremely wet weather we decided to abandon open fields and instead elected for a canal walk and old railway tracks. Starting from Nelsons Pit at Higher Poynton we joined the Middlewood Way and headed out towards Marple. At Middlewood we then joined the path to the Macclesfield Canal and turned south to walk towards our start point at Higher Poynton. From here we continued along the canal to Wood Lanes Marina where we rejoined the Middlewood Way to return to the start point once again. The distance was about 5/6 miles and the walk took around three hours with a coffee break.

Lunch was taken at the Boars Head Pub in Higher Poynton where we enjoyed an excellent home made mince and onion pie.

The first walk of the 2017 season started from the Pack Horse Inn, Birtle on the lower slopes of the Pennines above Heywood. On a cold wet windy Saturday we set off from the Inn to follow the road north on a long steady climb to the hamlet of Birtle where we then turned to follow the path along the edge of Ashworth Valley. Unfortunately from the top the views over Lancashire were obscured by cloud and mist but the views of the wooded valley with Cheesden Brook running through provided some compensation.

We made a detour from the route to visit Nabs Wife the site of the former Tea room and weaving mill known as Kershaws Bridge. The site is now occupied by a private dwelling although the old mill yard is still evident. From here we continued along the edge of the valley before turning to take the path across fields to return to the start point and a long leisurely lunch in the pub!

The Christmas Ramble was held last Saturday in Mobberley. In the morning on a very mild December day a party of 10 walkers enjoyed a short circular walk around Mobberley finishing at the Railway Inn. Here we were joined by other members of our group, to enjoy an excellent Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings. Thanks to Mike and Judith for organizing both the walk and the lunch.

A disastrous start to this walk. Wet weather, traffic problems with 10 kilometre run in area which resulted in a late start and shortened route. However, on the plus start the rain stopped and we enjoyed an excellent ramble around the area in spite of muddy fields and tracks. The walk finished with an excellent lunch in the Garden Kitchen at Arley Hall.

A disappointing turnout for a what was an excellent walk on a warm October Saturday. The route took us via fields of corn on the cob over to Budworth where we then followed paths across fields to the mere. From this point we continued along the trail to Maybury Country Park and enjoyed a stroll via woodlands to the canal. After a short walk along the tow-path we then followed the well laid out route around Neumans Flash, with its abundant bird life, to return to the starting point at the Salt Works.

Lunch was taken in the Salt Barge which was the perfect end to a day in the fresh air and countryside.

Seven intrepid (foolhardy?) ramblers and one small dog braved the weather to go to Biddulph Moor. The drive there was through torrential rain and flooded roads, but the rain eased when we arrived at Biddulph Grange. Even so we started out wading uphill though fields running with water, and the views of Cheshire from the top were rather watery. After lunch in the pub, we strolled round Biddulph Grange Gardens, which the National Trust have restored to their eccentric Victorian state.

Six of us walked up Lathkill Dale from Over Haddon to Fern Dale, returning via One Ash Grange and Cales Dale. It may have looked a perfect Spring day but there was a chilly breeze. The purple orchids, saxifrage and cowslips were on full bloom but we were just to early for the Jacob’s Ladder. The walk finished with very welcome teas and large slices of cake in the garden overlooking the dale.

On a fine sunny Saturday morning seven of our group prepare ourselves for a ramble in the Bollington area. From the Rangers Office in Bollington we set off along the Middlewood Way towards Marple before turning off after about one mile to take the short ascent across fields to Styperson Lake, Here we took a short stop to view the wildlife before making the sharp steep ascent up to Long Lane.

By this time it was 'Coffee Time' and we found a suitable bench where we could sit and enjoy the views across Cheshire and out to the Dee Estuary. Well rested we then made the descent across open fields to join the towpath along the Macclesfield Canal. Leaving at Bollington we enjoyed a pleasant stroll through the local park and back to our start point.

After our morning exertions we then adjourned to the Vale Inn where we all enjoyed an excellent lunch.

Thirteen ramblers started this 6 mile walk from the Axe & Cleaver in Dunham Town and then followed the Bridgewater Canal for about two miles heading towards Lymm. At Agden Bridge we left the canal and followed paths, through pleasant countryside to Arthill. It was in this section many of us found the going difficult because of ankle deep mud around many of the stiles. After crossing more fields we arrived in Bollington and from there entered Dunham Massey Park. Leaving the park we then enjoyed a gentle stroll through the village back to the pub.

With a short break for coffee the walk took just 3 hours and we were back in time to enjoy a hearty lunch at the Axe & Cleaver.

We began this walk at the Greyhound Public House in Ashley and the first part of the route was through the village. After passing the church of St Elizabeth we joined a farm track heading north which took us up to Ashley Hall and farm and eventually onto the Ashley/Hale Road. From here we joined another farm track and crossed open countryside to Jenkins farm.

It was along this path we found a picnic bench under an old oak tree where we stopped for our coffee break. The next part of the walk was across open fields towards the M56 Motorway. We had been warned that it would be muddy along this stretch but it was far worse than anticipated. After crossing the motorway the path was so muddy to make it impassable and we consulted the map to seek an alternative route.Fortunately there was one available which took us down to Bollin Brook and then back to Ashley which made the walk slightly longer than expected but we were still back at the Pub in good time to enjoy an excellent lunch.